A Guide to Advocacy as a School Psychologist

Advocacy is a major part of the work of a school psychologist. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Professional Standards (NASP, 2020), our work as advocates could be advocating with a single student or family for their rights, or advocating for the field of school psychology in front of legislative or administrative bodies. When it comes to the latter, these elected or appointed officials and entities make decisions that could impact students across our state or nation. Whether the issue of the use of the term school psychologists, use of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), social justice, or better school psychologist to student ratios, making our voices heard is paramount to having our knowledge and expertise included in decision-making processes.